Circumcision, as a body of laws, extends far beyond a mere physical act; it embodies a profound spiritual principle central to God's purpose. God used circumcision as a mark or sign authenticating the Old Covenant with Israel, performed on the eighth day to signify that Israelites were born into this covenant relationship with Him. However, its deeper significance lies in what it symbolizes for the heart, particularly in the context of the New Covenant. Spiritual circumcision must occur in each person making the New Covenant with God, representing a transformation of the heart to become open, pliable, and amenable to His Word. The concept of circumcision as a body of laws is evident in the biblical definition that equates circumcision with keeping the law and uncircumcision with consistently breaking it as a way of life. This principle reveals that external conformity to the covenant, without internal obedience, renders one spiritually uncircumcised. Even if a person is physically circumcised, breaking the law negates its spiritual value, making them as if they were uncircumcised. True circumcision, therefore, is not merely a mark on the flesh but a quality of mind that manifests in a life of obedience to God's laws. This spiritual circumcision involves a cooperative effort between God and the individual. God performs a supernatural circumcision, breaking the shackles of human nature and enabling one to yield to His will. Simultaneously, individuals bear the responsibility to submit and actively circumcise their hearts by choosing to do what is right. This ongoing process, known as conversion, ensures that the heart remains yielded and responsive to God's guidance. Under the New Covenant, while baptism replaces circumcision as the external rite, the underlying principle remains unchanged. Disobedience to God's laws dishonors baptism just as it dishonored circumcision under the Old Covenant. The external rites, ceremonies, and forms of the New Covenant, such as baptism and Passover, are exercises designed to reinforce spiritual truths and clarify understanding. They do not save, but they are essential for honing skills and deepening comprehension of God's purpose. Neglecting these rites leads to a loss of valuable truth, as human nature tends to ignore what is deemed unimportant or done away. True circumcision, then, is characterized by worshiping God in spirit, glorying in Christ, and having no confidence in the flesh. Those who are truly circumcised worship with the Spirit of God, guided by it and possessing its qualities, ensuring that their obedience to forms and rites is grounded in love for God and service to others. They recognize that salvation comes through the righteousness of Christ, not their own works, and live with a perspective that prioritizes spiritual transformation over external accomplishments. Ultimately, circumcision as a body of laws points to the necessity of God's commandments being a constant companion in thought, word, and deed, transforming individuals into the image of Christ through daily experience and the power of His Spirit.

Circumcision, as discussed, holds significant implications beyond a mere physical act, representing a broader body of laws and cultural obligations under the Old Covenant. At the council in Acts 15, it was determined that one could enter and keep the New Covenant without physical circumcision. This decision highlighted that circumcision was seen as a step obligating one to the entirety of the Old Covenant law, as expressed by Paul in Galatians 5:3. Additionally, circumcision served as a cultural form that marked citizenship in the commonwealth of Israel, creating a complex issue with national, cultural, and racial dimensions. Despite these associations, Paul's actions, such as circumcising Timothy as a concession to the Jews, demonstrate that he did not view circumcision as a curse or as entirely irrelevant, but rather as a practical consideration in certain contexts. This nuanced approach indicates that circumcision, while not spiritually essential under the New Covenant, still carried significant cultural weight and was not simply dismissed or considered done away with.